THE REV. J. W. BURTON.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 July 1918, Page 4

THE REV. J. W. BURTON.

A PLEASANT LITTLE GATHERING. A very pleasant little gathering took place at Messrs May and Arrowsmith's yesterday afternoon, when the members of the New Plymouth Expansion League entertained the Eev. J. W. Burton to afternoon tea. Mr. T. C. List, chairman of the league, expressed the pleasure of the members at meeting Mr. Burton again. Though the league had not done much expansion work during the war period, he knew Mr. Burton, who had taken a keen part in the doings of the league during his stay in New Plymouth, would be glad to hear that they had kept the office open, and that during the holiday season the secretary always had a very busy time in giving information to tourists and also arranging pleasure trips. The great trouble just now was want of sufficient accommodation, and if New Plymouth had possessed twice the amount it has it could be more than filled at. the Christmas seasons. In consequence of such conditions, the league had ceased to advertise the place until such time as the matter could be remedied. The members of the league had watched Mr. Burton's work, and rejoiced in hia success, and hoped the fu-

ture years would witness his continued success.

In responding, Mr. Burton said he was deeply interested in the development of New Plymouth, and, after all his travels, he was satisfied that, in many respects, the'town was unique. He thought there was ngt another town in Ausraksia with the same natural beauty, and it was a pity that that could not be fully utilised during present conditions. New Plymouth would continue to make its appeal to the travelling public, and he was convinced also that it would appeal to men seeking retirement. Beferring to his association with those present, he said he had always enjoyed the fellowship of the league. There was something great in the remembrance of one's fellows. He had not been aware that his work was followed by those of his former associates, and he appreciated the very kindly references in that connection. Whatever the future had in store for him he did not know—for the present his work seemed to lie in Australia—but, should be come back to New Zealand, he felt Ke would have to pay frequent visits to New Plymouth. (Applause.)